S-BOLD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

proposers will receive comments/questions from the reviewers and/or invitation to
submit a full proposal

Mon, 2/20/17

full proposal is due

Mid April, 2017

awards announced

Q: Will all $250,000 be awarded this year?

A: Not necessarily.

Q: Will the criteria change in subsequent years?

A: Possibly, but if so the changes are likely to be minimal because the primary goals
are retention, student success, number of students impacted, and improved time to
degree completion.

Q: Is it permissible to partner with an entity other than an institution of higher education
(ex. a high school)?

A: Nothing is out of bounds if it addresses the criteria to an extent.

Q: Can my proposal include staffing to implement my project?

A: Yes, as long as you develop a sustainable plan for retaining staff.

Q: Can my proposal include hiring an adjunct to teach my class(es) so that I can be released
to develop this project?

A: Yes.

Q: What if my proposed project impacts a small number of students at the outset, but
has the potential to impact many more later on?

A: You can describe the scalability of your proposal in two phases: short-term and
long-term, with a forecasted timeline. You may also apply again next year to expand
your project.

Q: May I request funding for more than one year?

A: No, but you may propose a first phase of a project, and then apply again next year
to fund a second phase of the same project.

Q: Is there a set of guidelines endorsed by SBU, to inform those who want to propose
a MOOC?

A: The S-BOLD Initiative is not intended for MOOCs. Currently, there are no specific
guidelines for MOOCs. Please contact Wendy Tang, the Associate Provost for Online
Education if interested in discussions of MOOCs. Wendy can be reached at 631 632-7012;
or via e-mail at wendy.tang@stonybrook.edu

A: Grant awards will not be limited to courses. Your project could be to develop a
learning activity or piece of multimedia that would assist students in understanding
a perennially difficult concept, or that would support their learning in an innovative
way.

Q: Can grant funding be used to purchase software applications for developing/delivering
the course or tool?

A: Yes, but to use the funds as efficiently as possible, we ask that you consult with
TLT first for advice. It may be that SBU already licenses an application that would
serve your needs or that an existing application license can be broadened to do so.

Q: Can an individual proposer apply for multiple projects?

A: Yes, there is no limit on how many proposals to be submitted by each proponent.

Q: Will the requested level of funding be revised by the reviewers?

A: Yes, this is possible. The Letter of Intent asks for a ball-park amount only. If
you are invited to submit a full proposal, you must meet with TLT to develop a line
item budget, which will be more accurate and will take into consideration existing
technology and/or staffing resources that are readily available. Once your detailed
budget is developed, it may justify either a smaller or larger amount than you originally
requested.

Q: Must course level proposals be Core Curriculum?

A: No, but courses that have high retake rates, that are offered regularly, or that
impact large numbers of students will take precedence.

Q: If the number of students impacted would be spread across multiple academic disciplines,
is that permissible?

A: Yes.

Q: If my project is a multidisciplinary, collaboration among two or more departments,
must I attach letters of support from all chairs and deans?

A: No. Submit letters of support from your own chair and dean only.

Q: How would a proposer determine the number of students potentially impacted by the
proposed project?

Q: What sorts of reporting to the S-BOLD Committee is required regarding the progress
of funded projects, and when are the reports due?

A: Each awarded project is required to give a brief progress report in the beginning
of the Fall semester for summer activities, an end-of semester report in the Fall
and a final report in Spring. Awardees are also invited to have regular lunches to
create a community of online education and to inspire others.